Senate advances bill to allow portable plug-in solar devices, sets UL 3,700 standard
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Summary
The Vermont Senate amended and advanced S.202, which would let residents use portable ‘‘plug‑in’’ solar panels subject to UL 3,700 performance and labeling standards, cap generation at 1,200 watts per meter, exempt devices from certificate-of-public-good review and bar net‑metered customers from using them; third reading was ordered after a 29‑0 vote.
The Senate advanced S.202 on the floor after a committee report that framed the bill as a way to let renters and condo residents generate renewable electricity with plug‑in solar panels while protecting safety and grid operations. Senator Watson, reporting for the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, described the devices — sometimes called balcony or plug‑in solar — as “a solar panel that comes together with an inverter and a plug so that you can just plug the inverter into the wall, and the power generated by the solar panel helps to lower your electric consumption from the grid.”
S.202 would define portable solar devices, cap cumulative generation tied to a single electric meter at 1,200 watts (about three typical panels), exempt such devices from the usual certificate-of-public-good (CPG) review, and specify they must be used in compliance with fire and building codes. The bill also says excess generation from these devices would not be compensated by the distribution utility. Senator Watson said the bill follows model language used in Utah and was reported out of committee unanimously.
On safety, Watson emphasized industry testing standards and worker protection: “It is normal and common for these inverters to be able to detect when there’s a power outage and be able to shut off power to the grid nearly instantly,” he said, noting S.202 requires compliance with UL 3,700 (the draft standard from UL Solutions for plug‑in photovoltaic devices) although that standard is still in draft form.
Committee testimony came from the Department of Public Service, distribution utilities, the division of fire safety, the electricians’ licensing board, advocacy groups such as BrightSaveR and VPIRG, students at Middlebury College, and academics including Professor Jenny Carter of Vermont Law School. Watson also said some utilities told the committee they did not want a mandatory customer notification regime identifying device locations.
Senators asked for clarifications on costs and landlord authority. The Senator from Rutland asked for a specific price estimate; Watson said he did not have that number immediately but would provide it before later readings. The senior Senator from Addison recalled testimony that current full-unit prices were about $1,000 or more and predicted prices could fall “to a couple $100 per unit” as markets scale. The junior senator for Madison asked whether renters or landlords would be accountable if someone exceeded the 1,200‑watt cap; Watson said noncompliant installations would be the homeowner’s responsibility and customers could call their distribution utility.
The Senate voted to adopt the committee’s recommended amendment and then, by roll call, ordered the bill read a third time; the secretary announced ayes 29, nays 0. With that unanimous tally, the Senate advanced S.202 to third reading.
The bill’s effective date is written as July 1, but Watson noted that if UL‑certified devices are not available by that date the practical effect would be no immediate change until certification or clear guidance exists. The third reading is now scheduled per the Senate calendar.
